Even the most prominent photographers would be overwhelmed by all the photographic choices available today. Not only are traditional film cameras still prevalent, but the choice of investing in a digital camera is a very popular one. So what would the photographic masters of old use today? Film or digital? The debate rages on, and there seems to be no end to reasons for using either medium.

The committed old guard will argue that digital photography cheapens the art, reducing the preciousness (and thus the value) of prints. They argue the convenience of shooting aimlessly removes the artistic forethought necessary to qualify it as artistic. The dissemination of photography among the masses has evidently ruffled more than a few feathers amongst the photographic elite.

Art, and its various modes of expression, must be reachable to all interested parties. Arguing the mere speed of a medium should rule it out as legitimate is a weak one. Furthermore what difference does it make if a photograph was accidentally taken or carefully planned? If the end result is a piece that patrons seek out, then elitists essentially have no grounds to criticize what is art or artistic.

Digital photography allows artists to touch-up and doctor their photograph via a computer. The program of choice is Adobe Photoshop and it has outshone the traditional touch-up techniques. It is less complicated, easier to learn, and does not involve blatant contact with caustic chemicals.

A huge advantage of digital cameras is their portability. Cellphone cameras aside, a digital camera can fit into coat pockets and can be activated very swiftly. Unwanted pictures can be easily deleted, whereas unwanted film photographs deplete precious photograph paper and chemicals. Moreover, digital photos can be disseminated via email, allowing people to decide whether or not they want to use the photographic paper to print.

Artistically speaking, most digital images can be just as good as their film counterparts. Since the photos are in digital format they are easily manipulated, which allows you customize the hues and light sources. Nevertheless, both film and digital have their respective advantages. Which one is the right one for you? Trail and error or an accredited photography training course could help you decide.